The Cours Hermeland runs through Saint-Herblain from north to south as a green-blue landscape corridor. Its developed, environmentally friendly routes make it possible to walk, run and cycle.
Greenways and Wetlands
The Marais de la Pelousière serves as a migration, wintering and breeding area for numerous bird species. Several plant species also grow there that are considered notable because of their rarity. The wetland thus brings together two aspects of nature: birdlife and rare plants.
Saint-Herblain’s walking trails are described by information boards on site and leaflets. They introduce the local heritage as well as the area’s flora and fauna. For those who want to choose their route based on specific information, they offer details about the landscape and its distinctive features alongside the trails.
When planning a route, it is important to distinguish between the two Hermeland references: the Cours Hermeland crosses the municipality over a straight-line distance of seven kilometres; the Circuit Hermeland is a figure-eight hiking trail that can be divided into two loops of seven kilometres each. The distance given for the corridor is therefore a straight-line measurement, while the distance for the Circuit refers to each loop.
There is also a specific route for cycling: opened in 2015, the Cours Hermeland greenway runs from north to south through Saint-Herblain’s varied natural environments. An accessible cycling route leads from Parc de la Savèze to Marais de la Pélousière.
Parks and Gardens
Parc de la Carrière is a 22-hectare site where sand and gravel were once extracted and which has been redeveloped as a leisure area. Pedestrians and cyclists can reach the park via Rue du Docteur-Boubée. Walking and running are available as free sporting activities there. The Jardin des plantes méditerranéennes is home to 17,000 plants spread across five distinct themed areas. In this park, the site’s former use for extraction, leisure activities and a clearly structured garden design sit side by side.
Domaine de la Gournerie combines a historic building with an extensive park: the château, built in 1623, was expanded in the 19th century. The park covers around 60 hectares and includes a conservation garden, two ponds and an educational garden. Around 30 notable trees of various species grow in Parc de la Gournerie. The park also has a walking area, opportunities for hiking and running, exercise equipment, a pond and the château.
Parc de la Chézine features footpaths, play and picnic areas, and a landscaped fitness trail. A pond for fishing adds to the park’s amenities. The green spaces described here therefore each have their own distinct features: at Carrière, the Mediterranean plant garden is also a focus; at Gournerie, the château, gardens and ponds; and at Chézine, the paths, play areas and sports facilities.
Cultural Venues and Buildings
ONYX is a municipal theatre with 600 seats in the Atlantis district. Its programme includes dance, theatre, music and circus arts. Since 2020, ONYX has been a nationally recognised and funded venue for choreographic and circus arts; the theatre also hosts artist residencies.
ZĂ©nith Nantes MĂ©tropole is an event venue in Saint-Herblain. Its capacity is up to 8,500 spectators, including 6,800 seated places. These figures show the scale of the venue without equating it with the smaller ONYX theatre.
Among the historic buildings is the Gothic church in the Bourg. It dates from the 15th century, houses the relics of Saint Hermeland and is listed in the register of Monuments historiques.
The Buddhist Van Hanh Pagoda, inaugurated in 2008, is considered the first Buddhist pagoda of its kind in western France. Its garden includes a fountain, statues and Asian plant species. The church and pagoda each have their own architectural and cultural features, while ONYX and ZĂ©nith represent performance and event culture.
Discover more destinations: Nort-Sur-Erdre, Geneston, Chéméré, Treillières, Chauve, Rougé, Grandchamps-Des-Fontaines, Besné
For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.
